Mycena khonkhem is one of two (M. variicystis) known spinose species of Mycena with a smooth stipe that lacks caulocystidia. Mycena variicystis differs in forming cheilocystidia with few, long apical projections (instead of dense spinulae), has a hymeniform pileipellis of acanthocysts when young, and has slightly larger basidiospores (mean 9.0 x 4.4 µm). Mycena khonkhem is also similar to Mycena amyloseta, but the latter species differs in forming amyloid pileosetae, has caulocystidia and lacks of basal disc.

This species has been described in 2001 from 1 collection from Khao Yai National park. This species has been found in only 3 collections during 2001-2001 from high humidity forests in Thailand. Unfortunately, the site was threatened by tourism.

Northern Thailand: Doi Suthep - Pui National Park in 2002
Northeastern Thailand: Darn Chang natural trail, Khao Yai National Park 2001 (Holotype) in 2001
Southern Thailand: Chaloem Phrakiat Somdet Phra Thep Wildlife Sanctuary (Phru To Daeng), which is a peat swamp in Su-ngai Kolok District, Narathiwat Province in 2001

Only 3 collections were found from Thailand during 2001-2002. BBH1899 was found on Feb 14, 2001 in the tropical rainforest in Chaloem Phrakiat Somdet Phra Thep Wildlife Sanctuary (Phru To Daeng), which is a peat swamp in Su-ngai Kolok District, Narathiwat Province, located in the Southern Part of Thailand. No more exploration and reported after that time. The second collection was BBH2011 (holotype), it was found on Nov. 1, 2001, from Darn Chang natural trail, this natural site is the most popular site of bird watching in Khao Yai National Park, Nakorn Ratchasima Province. The last collection (BBH6985) was found in the Northern part of Thailand, where appeared in Hui Khok Ma natural site in Doi Suthep - Pui National Park. This collection was found on Jul 4, 2002. The holotype of this species was published in 2002 by Desjardin et. al. (Fungal Diversity 11: 69-85)

Mycena khonkhem is a caespitose, found on undetermined dicotyledon leaves and twigs so the species habits are foliicolous and lignicolous. This species was found from high humidity with low light habitat from 3 national parks in Thailand. Doi Suthep - Pui National Park is in Chaing Mai Province where the northern part of Thailand, Dan Chang Natural trail is in the Nakorn Ratchasima Province in the northeastern part, and ‘Phru To Daeng Nature Trail is a peat swamp in Narathiwat Province in the southern part of Thailand.

The national park is a protected area however this species may be threatened by tourism because of the participation of many groups of people who have been visited for bird watching and this occurs every morning and every day.

The case of the wildlife sanctuary is very limited information for giving a decision for threatening or not but this is for precaution information of fragile habit of this species.

There is currently no conservation for this species. Conservation actions are needed for the rare species and also protected habitat of high humidity forest such as there three sits in Thailand.

Research needs to survey and search for the population in this high diversity because of the richness of the biodiversity of trees and specific types of habits.

This species is not listed for use and trade.